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This post could save your life!

It was great to see Vinnie Jones in this BHF ad demonstrating resuscitation with humour.

When I was taught first aid years ago in the Girl Guides, the ratio was 15 chest compressions to 2 rescue breaths. It was the same when I trained years later as an Emergency First Responder as part of my PADI scuba diving qualifications.

But the advice has been amended due to modern research findings.

These days, I produce manuals for a client who trains paramedics. Through that, I found that the European Resuscitation Council (ERC) and American Heart Association (AHA) changed the guidelines in 2010.

Once someone’s heart has stopped beating, they are, in effect, already dead (so don’t worry about hurting them when you compress their chest).

You don’t need to breathe into their lungs via mouth-to-mouth because there is still some oxygen in their bloodstream. You just need to keep the blood flowing round the body, so oxygen reaches their brain until the paramedics get there. You do that by ‘pumping’ their heart for them, through their chest. Do not delay or interrupt chest compressions. Stop only if/when they show signs of regaining consciousness.

Like Vinnie says, it’s not hard.

BTW, if you don’t like Stayin’ Alive, then the rhythm of Nellie the Elephant works just as well!

P.S. Trained rescuers who are willing and able are advised to do 30 compressions and 2 rescue breaths for a better outcome.